Beloveds -

I'm back and I missed you. I can't thank you enough for the gift of time away for rest and restoration. Special thanks to Rev. Roger and Rosemary for keeping all the good things going and for being patient with the challenging ones.

I was delighted with the warm greeting I received on my return. My first Sunday back I believe I broke the record for the greatest number of hugs in 15 minutes! The congregation feels vital and alive. I look forward to connecting with new folks that came to our community while I was away. And I look forward to reconnecting with all of you. If you want to have a visit with me just go to my calendar and find a time for us to meet. I would love to catch up on what is happening in your life.

Several of you have asked how I got on with my sabbatical theme of savoring. I am happy to report that I did well. I savored the morning times, free times, nap times, meal times and family times. I took a few short trips - you will hear about one of them in a sermon in July - and a few classes, but mostly I stayed close to home and relaxed. I return restored and ready for the coming church year.

Its a busy summer as well. This Sunday I am leading the Exploring UU class on History and theology at 9:30, Rev Roger is preaching, we have a new member reception, and our wonderful musicians Irina, Anthony and Flautist Dawn Walker are offering a special recital at 2 PM It' s going to be a great day. I hope to see you there.

It is a joy and privilege to serve such a wonderful congregation.

Sending love to all,

Rev. Lucy

Have you noticed the link that says "(Message clipped) View entire message" near the bottom of these e-mails? We have so much news in here sometimes that it does not all show up when you open the email. Scroll down and click on the link to see more!

Our Soul Matters Theme for June is



Renewal

Here's the link to the Soul Matters materials

Sunday Morning Programs

Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS

1st Sunday - Labyrinth meditation in the meado

2nd Sunday - Justice & Equity conversation is on hiatus. The Labyrinth is open for self-guided meditation before church.

3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai C

4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism: History and Theology. In the Fahs Classroom this Sunday June 23.

Sunday, June 23, 10:30am

Leaving Churches:

Signs of Renewal Amid Shifting Sands

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Celia Buckley, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva

While on sabbatical, Roger visited several Protestant and UU Sunday services—most of them attended by a fraction of their former numbers. Some Americans celebrate the steady decline in mainstream churchgoing, but others are worried. Is there a magic formula for local congregations? What are the lessons for those of us who still seek out, sustain, and enjoy a vital, caring community?

Sunday, June 30, 10:30am

Lifelong Lessons in Coping with Fear and Humiliation

Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Worship Associate Dawn Huebner, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.

The title of the sermon today is taken from a recent article by Anne Lamott. We will reflect on her words and consider the question: What will you do with the remaining years of your wild and precious life?

• This is the weekend of the All-Ages Camp in Alta, but there are always plenty of members, friends, and visitors at the service here at home. Join us if you’re in town!

The UUSS fiscal year ends on June 30.

If you have any expenses to be reimbursed, please turn in your request by June 15. That way, we can be sure your reimbursement will come out of this year's budget, as it should. And it will make our bookkeeper Debrah and me very happy - all good things. Requests turned in after July 1 will come out of next fiscal year's budget. Contact our Bookkeeper at debrah@uuss.org.

Thank you! - Victoria Owens, Treasurer

The Stories behind Our Tee Shirts

Rev. Roger asks: Do you have a tee shirt with an interesting origin story? Perhaps it has been a gift by a significant person in your life, a nostalgic reminder of an event or time, an emblem of your activism or enduring commitment, a special souvenir, or a shirt that you designed or made for yourself. He'd like some examples before this summer's tee-shirt service, so reach him at roger@uuss.org

If you would like to have a joy, sorrow, concern, or milestone spoken by a minister at Sunday’s prayer time, let us know at this link. Make sure to tell us you do not want us to mention it aloud, or if you would like a phone call from one of the ministers.

We continue to send love and healing prayers to members who have been ill, undergoing treatments, rehabilitating from injuries, and confronting an unwelcome diagnosis or an unfair prognosis. 

We send our love and care to Taylor Lewis, who has suspended chemotherapy treatment and is receiving hospice care. In addition to his many landscape volunteer activities for UUSS, he served on the Program Council, was a Worship Associate and brought up his sons in UUSS. (He also has a daughter and grandchild.) He and his wife, Ilana, are holding a celebration of life to be held while he is still alive and able to hear our words of reminiscence and love. "Taylor's Going Away Garden Party" with a potluck lunch will be Saturday, June 22, 10:00 at UC Davis Arboretum Teaching Nursery, where he was manager. Contact Taylor and Ilana to RSVP

We extend our condolences to Mrea Csorba on the passing of her mother, Ilona Csorba, on June 19 at the Woodside Healthcare Center. Ilona would have turned 97 this July 4. She was born in Hungary and married to an anti-communist freedom fighter who was imprisoned for eight years. She took her two children (Mrea and her sister) out of the country in a harrowing journey. She is survived by three children (the first daughter died two years ago), 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, Mrea thoughtfully has invited contributions to the UUSS Heritage Fund in memory of her mother.

Gina Guarneri and Doug McDougall announce the joy of the arrival of their grandchild Leonard Jean McDougall on June 9. He is the son of Patrick and Carlee. (Patrick and his sister, Jessie, grew up in the UU Community Church of Sacramento.) Leonard’s younger brother is Etho, and they live in Chico. Gina writes: “We are thrilled to be grandparents to 5 healthy, wonderful grandchildren.”

Danny Kleid and Jason Garner announce the birth of their second child, Claire, on June 8. She came home on June 10 to join her older brother, Malcolm. 

Childcare--The Nursery (Rm. 11) welcomes infants (6 months+) through age 5, year round. Staff supervise child-led play in a fun and friendly nursery filled with toys and games. Snacks are offered. Access through the main entrance. Don't forget to sign in when you get to Room 11. Please contact Crystal with questions.

All ages of youth and children are invited to join us this Sunday, June 23rd during service in the RE classroom Summer Art Works for Peace. Ginny will lead us in creating cards for our community and for ourselves. Please start in service!

Other engaging activities for children, youth and families are available and information can be found in the email linked above!

There's always a lot happening in RE!

RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain has weekly office hours and is available by email too.

Whether after service or in your own home, you

can enjoy coffee created just for UUSS: Chalice Blend! 

Beans are grown by women-owned cooperatives in Latin America and roasted and blended by a café in Oakland. Fresh beans sold for $15 a bag in the Sunday Bookstore or in the Office weekdays.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR “GENERAL ASSEMBLY” WATCH PARTY

The 2024 UUA General Assembly will be held June 20-23, as a virtual conference. 

This year’s theme is “Love Unites, Stories Ignite.”

UUSS will be holding a “watch party” for parts of the General Assembly in the Fahs Room.

Friday, 6/21: 3:30pm     Service of the Living Tradition                      (1.5 hours)

(to honor retiring and departed professionals who have served UUism, as well as ministers who have achieved preliminary fellowship and full fellowship with the UUA)

Saturday, 6/22, 4:00 pm WARE LECTURE (Starts at 4:00 sharp, so arrive early. Followed by a light supper at 5pm (1 hour lecture + dinner and conversation)

Sally Wilkins & Fred Deneke will provide a vegan and gluten free meal.

*This year’s Ware Lecture speaker is Julia Watts Belser (she/her), a rabbi, scholar, spiritual leader and a longtime activist for disability justice and gender justice.

She is Professor of Jewish Studies in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University, as well as core faculty in Georgetown’s Disability Studies Program and a Senior Research Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs.  

Celebrate Summer Solstice and the magic of Midsummer with UUSS CUUPS, June 23, 5:00pm - Fahs Room Bring a potluck dish to share. Contact Laurie Jones or Leanna Pierson at cuups@uuss.org            

 IMPRESSIONISM AND BEYOND......PAVING THE WAY FOR MODERN ART

 BREAKING ESTABLISHED TRADITIONS, AND SEEING THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

Music presented by ANTHONY TAVIANINI, tenor, DAWN WALKER, flute, IRINA TCHANTCEVA, piano

In the program: Debussy, Loeffler, Roussel, Poulenc, Still, Respighi, Barber, Copland

CONCERT JUNE 23 2 P.M. 

UUSS

2425 SIERRA BLVD., SACRAMENTO

Tickets available at the door:  Adults - $20, Students - $10, Children under 12 accompanied by adults – free

WANT TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR UUSS COMMUNITY -- AND ALSO SUPPORT OUR MISSION?

Did you know that you can order custom UUSS T-shirts, caps, aprons, mugs, note cards, necklaces, key chains, ties, babywear and bumper stickers?  

These items serve as a reminder of our wonderful community. They make great gifts, too!

Add your own unique touch by customizing the color, size and style of your purchase. Many items have UUSS chalice artwork by Patty Taylor. UUSS receives a percentage of sales at https://www.zazzle.com/store/uuchaliceitems/products  

(If you forget this website, it is also available on the UUSS webpage if you toggle the "Donate" drop-down menu. https://www.uuss.org/zazzle-info/)

Contact Gail Evans at FRST@uuss.org if you have questions or need help ordering online. 

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